What was the Most Surprising Invention of 1973?
Let's take a trip down memory lane and discover the unexpected invention that shook the world in 1973!
Source www.semicolonblog.com
What Was Invented in 1973
1973 was a significant year for inventions, here are some of the most notable ones:
The First Cell Phone
Without a doubt, the creation of the first-ever handheld cellular phone was a groundbreaking invention. In 1973, Martin Cooper, a researcher at Motorola, made the first handheld cellular phone call to Joel S. Engel from AT&T Bell Labs. The device was nicknamed “the brick” due to its shape and size. It weighed 2.5 pounds and was 9 inches long. The device couldn’t be used to browse the internet or play games, but it enabled people to communicate from anywhere at any time. Cooper’s innovative phone is the precursor to the smartphones we use today.
The First Programmable Video Game System
In 1973, Magnavox released the first programmable video game console called the Magnavox Odyssey. This device allowed users to play various games such as ping-pong, volleyball, and soccer. The device was connected to a TV, and users controlled the games by using knobs. This console enabled users to play games from the comfort of their homes, and it was the catalyst for the video game industry we know today. What made this system stand out from others is that players could install additional games using cartridges. The Magnavox Odyssey kick-started the development of video gaming, which is now a billion-dollar industry worldwide.
The MRI Machine
Another significant invention in 1973 was Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Paul Lauterbur and Sir Peter Mansfield were the brains behind this invention, and it revolutionized the medical industry. The MRI machine uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create highly-detailed images of the internal structures of the body, without using X-rays. It allowed doctors to diagnose conditions that were previously invisible with X-ray and CT scans. This non-invasive imaging technique has become an indispensable tool in modern medicine.
Those are just some of the essential inventions that came to be in 1973. Each one of them had a significant impact on society, technology, and the medical industry. They caused groundbreaking changes that are still relevant to us to date.
Other Inventions of 1973
Aside from the big inventions, there were also some other innovations that made an impact in 1973.
Post-it Notes
In 1973, Arthur Fry, a 3M engineer, created a revolutionary product that would become ubiquitous in offices and homes worldwide: the Post-it Note. Although it was initially intended to be used as a bookmark, it soon became clear that its adhesive power could make it a handy tool for jotting down quick reminders and notes. The Post-it Note was created by adding a low-tack, repositionable adhesive to small pieces of scrap paper, giving users the ability to stick these notes to surfaces without leaving a residue or damaging the underlying material. Since their inception, billions of Post-it Notes have been sold and they are still a staple in every office supply store.
The Ethernet
Bob Metcalfe from Xerox PARC came up with the Ethernet in 1973 - a game-changing invention that connected computers and devices using cables. The Ethernet was a type of local area network, or LAN, that allowed computers in a small area, like an office or building, to communicate with each other. By using coaxial cable to transmit data packets, computers could share information with lightning-fast speeds. The Ethernet quickly became the standard for connecting devices until Wi-Fi took over in the late 1990s. Today, the Ethernet is still used in homes and businesses to provide stable and reliable internet connectivity.
Automatic Teller Machine (ATM)
The first automated teller machine (ATM) was actually developed in 1967 by John Shepherd-Barron in the UK. However, it was only in 1973 that the first networked ATM was introduced, allowing customers to withdraw cash from any connected machine. Barclays Bank in London was the first to deploy a networked ATM, which revolutionized the banking industry by making it easier and more convenient to access cash. Customers no longer had to go to their bank teller during business hours to access their funds. Instead, they could withdraw cash at any time of day or night using their ATM cards. Today, ATMs are found in almost every corner of the world and are an indispensable part of modern banking.
Post a Comment for "What was the Most Surprising Invention of 1973?"